Supports file, print, and named-pipe sharing over the network for this computer. If this service is stopped, these functions will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

The server service is the basis of all file and printer sharing on an NT based system. It also is a conduit through using network based remote procedure calls (RPC). For more information on RPC please view the services for it. This service is linked directly to the computer browser so if disabled your computer will not be able to access other shares as well as not be able to create or have others use any shares you may have. This is generally not needed unless you use NetBIOS file sharing. Please note that Windows file sharing is not used in programs such as KaZaA, eMule, Limewire, etc. as those use strict TCP/IP functions through their own nonstandard ports. This will also not interfere with network printing done through TCP/IP unless mapped through a NetBIOS printer sharename. Setting this to automatic is generally recommended unless you are sure you do not need it in which case you should set it to disabled.